A mindful approach to parenting that helps children (and their parents) feel happier, healthier, calmer, and less stressed in our frenetic era

Rooted in the science of the brain, and integrating cognitive neuroscience and child development, Mindful Parenting is a unique program that speaks directly to today’s busy families who make up what Dr. Race calls "Generation Stress." Research has shown that mindfulness practices stimulate the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Regular stimulation of this part of the brain helps us feel happier, healthier, calmer, less anxious, less stressed, and makes it easier for us to concentrate and think clearly—the very behavior we are hoping our children will display.

About the speakerKristen Race Ph.D. is the founder of Mindful Life, which provides brain-based solutions for schools, businesses, children and families as they try to become more resilient to modern day stressors. She is also the author of Mindful Parenting: Simple and powerful solutions to raise creative, engaged and happy kids in today’s hectic world. Dr. Race has spoken nationally, including at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference and at the International Scientific Conference for Clinicians, Researchers and Educators, has given a TEDx talk, and speaks to communities across the country. She has also appeared on many television news programs, providing parent and mindfulness education. Dr. Race has created her own Mindful Life Schools Program, which is currently being used in schools worldwide, including her home town of Steamboat Springs. She discovered that the foundation of her work with children transfers to business leaders, executive teams, and athletes looking to perform their best by reducing stress and improving performance.

About the library's Health Perspectives SeriesThis is an ongoing, once-in-an-occasional series of talks, workshops and films that brings together professional expertise in nutrition, exercise and general health for free community programs at the Bud Werner Memorial Library.